Depth-gage for planters



H. PIEPER.

DEPTH GAGE FOR PLANTERS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV-8,1919.

Patented Feb. 10, 1920.

ATENT err-ion HENRY PIEPEE, 0F TROWBRIDGE, ILLINOIS.

DEPTH-GAGE FOR PLANTERS.

Application filed November 8,1919.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY PIEPER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Trowbridge, in the county of Shelby and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Depth- Gages for Planters, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accom panying drawings.

This invention relates to certain improvements in depth gages for planters, and has relation more particularly to a device of this general character especially designed and adapted for use in connection with a shoe as comprised in the general type of corn planters, and it is an object of the invention to provide a novel and improved gage which operates to effectively control the depth of penetration of the shoe, and which also operates to produce a comparatively smooth surface on the soil at a point in advance of the hill drop, whereby a uniform depth of the furrow opened by the shoe is assured, and at the same time operating to fill ruts, horse tracks or uneven spots that might be in the surface of the ground.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved depth gage for planters whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to olescribe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a depth gage constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention and in ap plied position, the coacting shoe being shown in fragment, and

Fig. 2 is a View partly in front elevation and partly in section illustrating my device, as herein embodied in applied position.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Feb 10 1920.

Serial No. 336,675.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawings, S denotes a shoe or furrow opener of a general type employed in connection with corn planters or the like, and engaged with the forward portion of said-shoe S is a depth gage G constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention.

My-improved depth gage G comprises an elongated metallic strap or body 1 adapted to underlie the forward portion of the shoe S and extend beyond opposite sides thereof. Secured to the central portion of the strap or body 1 is an upstanding rigid loop 2, adapted to embrace the shoe S and to be adjusted longitudinally of the shoe in accordance with the requirements of practice.

In front elevation the loop 2 is of a design to closely conform to the cross sectional configuration of the shoe S, and disposed through the upper end of the loop is a binding screw 3, which is adapted to engage the upper edge of the shoe S, whereby the gage G may be held in desired position longitudinally of the shoe S, and as may be necessitated by the requirements of practice.

The position of my improved gage G upon the shoe S determines the depth of penetration of the shoe S and the depth of the resultant furrow, and the action of the strap or body 1 upon the surface of the ground assures a substantially smooth surface, so that a uniform depth of furrow is obtained. The strap or body 1 also operates to push or throw aside clods or the like which may be in the path of travel of the shoe S, and the body or strap 1 also serves to fill all ruts, horse tracks or uneven spots that may be in the surface of the ground.

From the foregoing description, it 18 thought to be obvious that a depth gage for planters constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly Well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement shoe, an upstanding loop carried by the body and embracing the runner and a binding screw carried by the upper end of the loop for contact with the upper edge of the shoe to hold the gage against movement longitudinally of the shoe.

In testimony whereof I hereunto afix my signature.

HENRY PIEPER. 

